The Masala Chai Amaretto Sour is a warm, spiced take on the classic amaretto sour, combining the sweet almond flavor of amaretto with the bold, comforting spices of masala chai. Balanced with fresh lemon juice and topped with a smooth, frothy finish, this cocktail is both elegant and approachable. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. It’s easy to make with either homemade or store-bought masala chai syrup and offers simple ingredient swaps to suit every preference.
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❤️Why you will love this recipe
- Unique Flavor Fusion: The blend of sweet amaretto with spiced masala chai creates a balanced yet unique drink that feels like a hug in a glass.
- Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients, you’ll be able to prepare this cocktail in minutes without any complicated steps.
- Alternative Options for Egg White: If you prefer not to use egg whites, simple swaps like orange juice give the drink a smooth texture without compromising taste.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This cocktail feels elevated and a little fancy, but it’s super easy to make, so it’s a great go-to for impressing guests.
This Masala Chai Amaretto Sour brings together the warm, spiced flavor of chai and the sweet almond notes of amaretto for a unique cocktail that’s sure to impress.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other masala chai recipes, like the Masla Chai Spiced Tiramisu.
🥣Equipment
To make this cocktail with ease, here’s a quick overview of the essential tools you’ll need.
- Shaker: Essential for combining and chilling the ingredients.
- Measuring Jigger: For accurate measurements to balance flavors.
- Citrus Juicer: Makes juicing fresh lemons easier for optimal freshness.
- Strainer: To pour the drink smoothly without ice chunks.
- Glass: A lowball glass works perfectly, enhancing the sipping experience.
📝The Ingredients
For this cocktail to turn out perfectly, make sure to use only the freshest ingredients of high quality. Here is what you'll need:
- Masala Chai Syrup: You can use either my homemade masala chai syrup or a store-bought one. Alternatively, masala chai concentrate can also be used for a lighter option.
- Amaretto: Sweet, almond-flavored liqueur that forms the base of this cocktail. A non-alcoholic amaretto can be used to make this an amaretto sour mocktail.
- Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Egg White: A classic amaretto sour uses an egg white for that perfect froth on top. If raw eggs are not your thing it can be swapped with alternatives like orange juice (my favorite alternative) or aquafaba.
- Ice: Both for shaking the drink and chilling the glass. An ice sphere or square is perfect for the drink so it melts slowly.
- Anise (Optional): A beautiful garnish that adds an aromatic finish.
👩🏻🍳How to make this Chai Amaretto Sour
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Combine Ingredients: Add masala chai syrup, amaretto, lemon juice, egg white, and lots of ice to a shaker.
- Shake: Shake vigorously until the drink is well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain and Serve: Strain into a chilled lowball glass filled with fresh ice, garnish with anise if desired, and enjoy!
💡Tips for the perfect Amaretto Sour
These tips will help you get that delicious froth and optimal flavor of a classic amaretto sour:
- Perfecting the Froth: To achieve a creamy froth, use lots of ice in the shaker and shake vigorously for several seconds. This aerates the egg white (or alternative) for that foamy top.
- Choose the Right Glass: A lowball or rocks glass suits this drink best, allowing you to enjoy the frothy texture in each sip.
- Ice Matters: Use a large ice cube or clear ice to chill the drink without excessive dilution. This enhances the drink's flavor and keeps it cool for longer.
- Egg White Substitutes: If you’re wary of raw egg white, orange juice or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) are great alternatives for similar frothiness without the egg.
🍴Serving suggestions
Serving this cocktail with the right little bites and garnishes makes the whole experience even better. Try a few of these ideas:
- Spiced Nuts: A small bowl of roasted spiced nuts is perfect for munching alongside this drink. The warm spices in the nuts echo the chai flavors in the cocktail.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair it with a simple charcuterie board. The salty, savory bites of cheese, cured meats, and a few olives balance out the sweetness of the amaretto.
- Top with Garnish: Add anise, a cinnamon stick, or a thin slice of lemon on top to add elegance and enhance the aroma. Perfect for impressing guests or making it feel a bit more special for yourself.
🥄Storage
For the best experience, enjoy this cocktail fresh. However, if you need to store any components, here are a few storage tips:
- Cocktail Storage: This drink is best made fresh. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them immediately without the ice, and stir or shake again before serving. Drink withing 24h as it contains raw egg.
- Masala Chai Syrup: If homemade, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
💭Frequently asked questions
es! Masala chai concentrate works well but will make a lighter, less sweet drink. You may want to reduce the amount slightly or add a dash of simple syrup for balance.
While regular ice cubes work fine, large, clear ice cubes dilute the drink less, keeping the flavors rich.
As the drink uses raw egg whites you should enjoy this drink immediately.
Yes, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the chai spices beautifully.
Lemon juice is essential for balancing the sweetness, so it’s not recommended to skip it.
Yes, you could use a non-alcoholic amaretto or simply replace it with orange juice.
More cocktail recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Masala Chai Amaretto Sour
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer (fine-meshed)
- Lowball Glass
- Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 5 cl Masala Chai Syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 cl Amaretto
- 2.5 cl Lemon Juice
- 1 Egg White
- Ice (for shaking and for the glass)
- Anis (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add the masala chai syrup, amaretto, lemon juice, egg white, and enough ice to fill about ¾ of your shaker.5 cl Masala Chai Syrup, 5 cl Amaretto, 2.5 cl Lemon Juice, 1 Egg White, Ice
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake for 15–20 seconds, or until the mixture is well-chilled, frothy, and slightly thickened. The ice helps to chill the drink and aerate the egg white for a smooth texture.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice, best in big pieces. Place a strainer over the top of your glass and pour the cocktail into it. The ice in the glass will help keep your cocktail perfectly chilled while you enjoy it.Ice
- If desired, garnish with a star anise for a hint of aroma and a decorative touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!Anis
Notes
- Egg White Alternative: If you prefer not to use egg white, replace it with 2 tablespoons of orange juice or 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas). These alternatives add froth and smoothness without raw egg.
- Froth Tips: For the best froth, make sure to use plenty of ice and shake the cocktail vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. This helps aerate the drink, giving it a rich, foamy texture on top.
- Glass Choice: A lowball glass works best, but a rocks glass will also work if you don’t have one. The wide mouth of these glasses enhances the sipping experience.
- Ice Options: If possible, use large or clear ice cubes for both shaking and serving. Larger ice cubes melt more slowly, keeping the cocktail cold without diluting it too much.
- Preparing in Advance: This cocktail is best served fresh, but you can mix the ingredients (without ice) and store in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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Nutrition
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